Talia Kemper drove home in a panic after leaving multiple voicemails warning Noel about a gas leak and to avoid the stove. She berated herself for doubting Noel’s fidelity and feared her mistake could have killed or injured him. Determined to reach him in time, she sped toward home, worried because Noel would likely already be there.

As Talia neared the house, she saw a fire truck racing in the same direction, heightening her fear. Then Noel called her back. He sounded calm and unharmed, explaining he had turned off his phone at work and only just received her messages. He assured her he would not turn on the stove and had already called the fire department to check the house.

Noel told Talia to enjoy her planned evening with Kinsey and said he would handle the situation at home. He added that he had bought her an expensive necklace to show how much she meant to him, intending to give it to her once they could reenter the house. Talia, overcome with relief and emotion, prepared to tell him she loved him and was not upset about the purchase.

Because Talia’s eyes were blurred with tears, she failed to see a stop sign hidden by an overgrown tree. Before she could finish speaking to Noel, a fast-moving Mack truck slammed into her car. She heard the impact of metal and glass, and everything went black.